Her Story
About Sydni
Sydni Powell is the Program Director for the National Student Leadership Conference, where she oversees logistics and operations for the Sports Management and Business and Entrepreneurship Programs. In this role, she coordinates program schedules, manages guest speaker engagement, supports a team of advisors, and helps deliver leadership-focused educational experiences for high school students. With a foundation in sports marketing, operations, and leadership development, Powell brings a diverse perspective shaped by experiences across collegiate athletics, professional sports, nonprofit initiatives, and educational programming.
Powell earned her Master of Arts in Sport and Recreation Management from the University of Iowa in May 2026 and her bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Sport Marketing, along with minors in Pre-Law and Political Science, from Simpson College in May 2025. Her professional background includes serving as an Equipment Intern with the Iowa Heartlanders, Teaching Assistant at the University of Iowa, intern at a consulting firm, and Operations Intern for a political campaign. These experiences have strengthened her skills in organizational strategy, compliance, communication, event operations, and program management.
Committed to creating inclusive and impactful opportunities through sports, Powell founded the Northwest Iowa All-Inclusive League to provide adaptive baseball opportunities for students with disabilities and promote accessible athletic participation. She is a member of Women Leaders in Sports and has achieved 10 national titles in speech and debate, highlighting her dedication to advocacy, leadership, and communication. Guided by values of integrity, honesty, and clear communication, Powell’s professional interests focus on sports management, logistics, operations, and compliance. Outside of her professional pursuits, she enjoys boxing, kickboxing, reading, volunteering with speech and debate teams, and supporting initiatives that empower others through athletics and education.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sydni
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to try everything and never limit myself. I have learned that growth often comes from stepping outside of my comfort zone, embracing new challenges, and being open to opportunities that may not always follow a traditional path. Every experience, whether expected or unexpected, provides valuable lessons, helps build new skills, and creates opportunities for personal and professional development. By remaining curious, adaptable, and willing to explore different possibilities, I have been able to expand my perspective and continue building a meaningful career.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the sports industry is to keep pushing forward, remain resilient, and never give up on their goals. There will be challenges and moments of uncertainty but staying connected to your purpose and remembering your “why” can provide the motivation needed to overcome obstacles. Believe in your abilities, continue learning, seek out opportunities for growth, and surround yourself with people who support your journey. Persistence, passion, and confidence are key to building a successful and fulfilling career.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, honesty, and clear communication. I believe that building trust starts with being authentic, accountable, and consistent in my actions. Maintaining open and transparent communication allows for stronger relationships, effective collaboration, and a positive environment where people feel respected and valued. These principles guide how I approach challenges, work with others, and continue to grow both personally and professionally.
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